Visual Arts

Across the St. Mark’s campus, art enhances life within the community: We learn about each other—as artists, as musicians, as actors, as friends—through what we do.

While some students come to the school with extensive visual arts experience, others have never picked up a pencil before. All learn in a dynamic setting to develop their observational skills and a personal voice through a variety of media.

Courses range from the introductory level in Photography, Sculpture, Ceramics and Studio Art, through the AP level in Studio Art and Art History. Some students elect to pursue a single topic or medium in depth through independent study, once they have completed basic courses. Many students prepare portfolios as part of their application to liberal arts colleges or to specialized art schools such as RISD, University of Chicago, and Alfred University. The courses are demanding; the atmosphere is collaborative and supportive.

On canvas or paper, using a potter’s wheel or camera, St. Markers are encouraged to give free rein to their artistic side, and to bring a critical and appreciative eye to the world around them.

Studio art and ceramics are taught in large, well-lit classrooms in Taft Hall, the center of the arts complex. Two large galleries exhibit student work as well as rotating exhibitions by visiting artists. Student-curated exhibitions always begin with a special opening. All students in all art classes—not just a select few—exhibit their work first in the gallery in Taft Hall, the contents of which change every two to three weeks. From there, drawings, paintings, photographs, and sculptures move to other parts of the campus, transforming the whole school into a lively and changing environment. The tall, arched windows of Choate Lobby, located at the front entrance of the new Athletic Center, light six annual exhibitions of New England artists, individuals whose work examines topics and media that coordinate with the St. Mark’s curriculum in the arts, languages, history, and English.